Abstract: A self-propelled apparatus for cleaning the submerged bottom surfaces of a pool or tank in a predetermined regular pattern includes a reversible water jet drive means for propelling the apparatus in opposite directions corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus. The direction of the discharge of the propelling water jet is changed by mechanical sensors, electrical sensors, or by interrupting the water pump. The source of the pressurized jet stream can include a pump integral to the apparatus or an external portable pump and/or a pump associated with the pool's filtering and/or circulation system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately controlling the directional and turning movement of a self-propelled robotic pool cleaner having at least one pair of rotational support members for propelling and cleaning along a surface of a pool or tank include accelerating at least one pair of the rotational support members from a stopped position to a first predetermined rotational rate for a first predetermined time period to propel the pool cleaner in a first direction along the pool surface, continuing the rotation at the first rotational rate for a second predetermined time period; and increasing to a second higher rotational rate, such that the cleaner is propelled at a maximum normalized rate during straight-line movement for cleaning the pool. The duration of straight-line movement is incrementally advanced by a signal that is manually generated by a user switch or a magnet that is brought into proximity of a reed switch mounted inside the cleaner's housing.

Abstract: A swimming pool cleaner discharges water jets under the cleaner body, directed toward its center from its sides, to agitate and lift debris toward one or more vacuum intake openings, to greatly enhance the cleaning ability of the cleaner. The suspended dirt and debris become semi-buoyant under the force of the jetted water which is preferably moving in the same direction as the cleaner, so that the relative speed between the cleaner and the suspended dirt and debris is reduced, thereby enabling the cleaner to move at a relatively faster rate and still clean with equivalent or even greater efficiency than a pool cleaner that is not equipped with directional cleaning water jets. In addition, displaced front and back orientations of the intake ports allow for longer time for any dirt and debris to be picked up.

Abstract: A self-propelled apparatus for cleaning the submerged bottom surfaces of a pool or tank in a predetermined regular pattern includes a reversible drive means for propelling the apparatus in opposite directions corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus. A housing is formed by a top wall, depending front and rear walls and depending side walls, where the side walls defining the periphery of the apparatus. At least one projecting pivot member extends from a side wall of the housing, wherein the end of the projecting pivot member serves as a pivot point in contact with a side wall of the pool to change the orientation of the apparatus with respect to the side wall of the pool.

Abstract: A pool or tank cleaner that is propelled by means of one or more water jets is directed in one or more predetermined systematic scanning patterns of either straight, curvilinear, or combinations of both, by an apparatus and method that controls and varies the directional discharge of one or more water jets that propel the cleaner in its translational movement. The direction of the discharge of the propelling water jet is changed by mechanical sensors, electrical sensors, or by interrupting the water pump. Further variations in the direction of translational movement of the cleaner are effected by activating at least one retractable depending member to periodically contact the pool surface below the moving cleaner, thereby causing the cleaner to pivot or otherwise change direction.

Abstract: A self-propelled robotic pool cleaner (100) has a first pair of driven brushes (12, 14) and second pair of free brushes co-axially mounted for rotation on axles (16) at the opposite ends of the pool cleaner that are transverse to the direction of movement. The first pair of brushes are mounted on one side and are driven by a drive motor (110); the second pair of brushes are mounted on the opposite side of the cleaner. A rotational delay clutch (30) is co-axially positioned between each pair of the first and second brushes so that reversing the drive motor causes the first pair of driven brushes to temporarily rotate at an angular rotational velocity that is greater than that of the second pair of brushes, thereby pivoting the pool cleaner through a predetermined angular change in direction before the synchronous rotation of the second pair of dual brushes is initiated by the engagement of the clutch.

Abstract: A swimming pool cleaner discharges water jets under the cleaner body, directed toward its center from its sides, to agitate and lift debris toward one or more vacuum intake openings, to greatly enhance the cleaning ability of the cleaner. The suspended dirt and debris become semi-buoyant under the force of the jetted water which is preferably moving in the same direction as the cleaner, so that the relative speed between the cleaner and the suspended dirt and debris is reduced, thereby enabling the cleaner to move at a relatively faster rate and still clean with equivalent or even greater efficiency than a pool cleaner that is not equipped with directional cleaning water jets. In addition, displaced front and back orientations of the intake ports allow for longer time for any dirt and debris to be picked up.

Abstract: A swimming pool cleaner discharges water jets under the cleaner body, directed toward its center from its sides, to agitate and lift debris toward one or more vacuum intake openings, to greatly enhance the cleaning ability of the cleaner. The suspended dirt and debris become semi-buoyant under the force of the jetted water which is preferably moving in the same direction as the cleaner, so that the relative speed between the cleaner and the suspended dirt and debris is reduced, thereby enabling the cleaner to move at a relatively faster rate and still clean with equivalent or even greater efficiency than a pool cleaner that is not equipped with directional cleaning water jets. In addition, displaced front and back orientations of the intake ports allow for longer time for any dirt and debris to be picked up.

Abstract: A pool or tank cleaner that is propelled by means of one or more water jets is directed in one or more predetermined systematic scanning patterns of either straight, curvilinear, or combinations of both, by an apparatus and method that controls and varies the directional discharge of one or more water jets that propel the cleaner in its translational movement. The direction of the discharge of the propelling water jet is changed by mechanical sensors, electrical sensors, or by interrupting the water pump. Further variations in the direction of translational movement of the cleaner are effected by activating at least one retractable depending member to periodically contact the pool surface below the moving cleaner, thereby causing the cleaner to pivot or otherwise change direction.

Abstract: A robotic pool or tank cleaner is supported by wheels that are mounted on fixed or movable axles that form an acute angle with the longitudinal axis of the pool cleaner's body when the cleaner moves in either or both of two opposing directions to thereby provide a variable path as the device moves back and forth across the bottom surface of the pool or tank that is being cleaned.

Abstract: A swimming pool cleaner discharges water jets under the cleaner body, directed toward its center from its sides, to agitate and lift debris toward one or more vacuum intake openings, to greatly enhance the cleaning ability of the cleaner. The suspended dirt and debris become semi-buoyant under the force of the jetted water which is preferably moving in the same direction as the cleaner, so that the relative speed between the cleaner and the suspended dirt and debris is reduced, thereby enabling the cleaner to move at a relatively faster rate and still clean with equivalent or even greater efficiency than a pool cleaner that is not equipped with directional cleaning water jets. In addition, displaced front and back orientations of the intake ports allow for longer time for any dirt and debris to be picked up.

Abstract: A robotic pool or tank cleaner is supported by wheels that are mounted on fixed or movable axles that form an acute angle with the longitudinal axis of the pool cleaner's body when the cleaner moves in either or both of two opposing directions to thereby provide a variable path as the device moves back and forth across the bottom surface of the pool or tank that is being cleaned.

Abstract: A pool or tank cleaner that is propelled by means of one or more water jets is directed in one or more predetermined systematic scanning patterns of either straight, curvilinear, or combinations of both, by an apparatus and method that controls and varies the directional discharge of one or more water jets that propel the cleaner in its translational movement. The direction of the discharge of the propelling water jet is changed by mechanical sensors, electrical sensors, or by interrupting the water pump. Further variations in the direction of translational movement of the cleaner are effected by wheels and/or axles that are adjustably mounted to respond to changes in the translational movement of the cleaner.

Abstract: An automatic swimming pool cleaner is equipped with an electrically-powered light source that is securely mounted on, or above the exterior of the housing of the pool cleaner so that the light source illuminates a generally spherical space above and 360° around the pool cleaner. The light source is contained in a transparent hollow receptacle fabricated from an impact-resistant, rigid, light transmitting material. In a pool cleaner with a detachable handle, the handle's horizonal gripping member is constructed from a transparent annular tube in which the light source is axially mounted, the ends of the tube being provided with a waterproof seal where they are joined to the handle brackets. The light source can be one or more lamps or bulbs, preferably of a tubular configuration, such as an array of fluorescent tubes of the folded type that have a socket at one end, the free end being held by a resilient supporting member.

Abstract: A submersible self-propelled pool or tank cleaner that includes a pair of moving driven endless belts or drive tracks is provided with moving side-projecting elements that extend from either the moving drive track or the drive wheels, or both, in order to contact the side wall of the pool and other projecting structural elements in the pool, to thereby prevent the stationary structural elements of the pool cleaner from being damaged by scraping the side of the pool and to prevent the hard plastic of the cleaner housing from damaging light-weight swimming pool liners. The drive track or belt is provided with raised transverse rib members that terminate in a tip that projects beyond the edge of the belt and extends beyond the projected line of structural elements along the side of the pool cleaner.

Abstract: A self-contained, manually propelled pool cleaner moves on wheels positioned inboard of the housing, the wheels being supported by axles that extend laterally across the entire width of the housing and are secured at their ends to the side walls and along their length to the lower periphery of the front and rear walls to provide structural integrity and rigidity to the housing. The base plate is provided with pivoting brushes extending diagonally across the direction of travel to move debris towards the intake ports for entrainment in a disposable filter bag. A pivoting off-set connector permits the operator to control the direction of movement by axially twisting the handle while pushing or pulling the cleaner. Electrical power to operate the water pump(s) is supplied from an airtight floating battery case that is tethered to the pool cleaner.

Abstract: Directional control means are provided for robotic swimming pool or water tank cleaner of the type having an internal filter bag for removing and retaining debris from the pool, an electric pump for drawing water through the filter bag and two parallel motor driven cylindrical brushes for propelling the cleaner along and sweeping the bottom surface of the pool, said control means including one or more water activated hydraulic cylinders located on the side of the cleaner between the brushes, each containing a leg adapted to project downwardly to contact the pool bottom and partially lift one side of the cleaner. As the cleaner moves along the pool bottom it pivots around the projected leg to change direction. Manual or automatic means can be provided to activate the hydraulic legs.

Abstract: An improved filter element for fluid circulating system having unpressurized reservoirs and primarily adapted for removing algae and other fine contaminants from swimming pool water comprising pleated filtration medium arranged in a cylindrical configuration having an open central area, a cap bonded to one end of the filtration medium to close the open central area, an adapter bonded to the opposite end of the filtration medium for connection to a flow source to direct the flow of water into the open central area for passage through the filtration medium in a direction from inside to outside and an outer support member disposed on the exterior of the filtration medium and closed at one end and secured at the other end to the adaptor to restrain the filtration medium.